Bernice Newell

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AmCan loses a strong supporter
Bernice Newell was backer for many community projects
By Register Staff
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
American Canyon lost its one of its most generous patrons last week, when Bernice Newell died Friday afternoon at her American Canyon home at age 88.

“It’s quite a loss for American Canyon,” said Mayor Leon Garcia. “She was involved in so many things in the community.”

Jack and Bernice Newell loved the outdoors and hunted around the world. In 1999 the couple donated 642 acres on the city’s eastern edge to be used as an open space preserve. The property is named after them. Jack Newell died in 2002.

Newell was honored earlier this month at the city’s annual awards dinner for her fundraising work for the chamber. The chamber said she raised over $100,000 by hosting “Casino Night” at her house over the years.

“She gave back to the community more than anyone I can think of,” said Kathleen Osmond, the chamber’s office manager.

The Newells were strong supporters of American Canyon’s Chamber of Commerce, Boys and Girls Club and Holy Family Parish.

Instrumental in founding the American Canyon Boys and Girls Club, Osmond said Newell would charter buses to take the kids on outings before the club opened a center off Benton Way.

Longtime American Canyon resident Fran Lemos praised Newell’s generosity.

“She was a wonderful, wonderful lady,” said Lemos, who used to go to breakfast with her after church on Sundays. “She opened her house to everybody. ... She loved American Canyon,” Lemos said.

Former City Manager Mark Joseph said the Newells, who owned a lot of land that was developed over the years, wanted to give back to the community.

“They have been very good to the community,” he said. Bernice Newell, he also said, “was always very gracious.”

The Newells also supported Vallejo organizations, including the Solano County Fair and the Sons of Italy. She also volunteered for the American Canyon Society.

Bernice opened her home every year for the Sons of Italy’s annual fundraiser to support Alzheimer’s research at UC Davis, recalled Sons of Italy member Janet Capello. She also donated scholarships to students.

“She just helped a lot of organizations,” Capello said.

Bernice Newell grew up in the East Bay on her family farm on San Pablo Dam Road, the youngest of three girls. Before her marriage to Jack Newell, she owned and operated a beauty shop in Berkeley.

She and her husband owned several grocery stores and taverns in Richmond. In the early 1960s, the Newells entered the mobile home park industry.

Funeral services will be private. A public memorial is planned by the family for this Friday at the Newell home. The family asks donations in her name be given to Hospice of Napa Valley or the American Cancer Society.